– reaches $100,000 mark in contributions
Mentor, OHIO—One of the strongest motivators for 23-year-old Katie Spotz of Mentor, Ohio, to row solo across the ocean was knowing that every one of her one million oar strokes was helping to make a difference in the world. Spotz set a world record as the youngest person to row across the ocean solo, covering 3038 miles in 70 days while increasing awareness and raising money for safe drinking water worldwide. She accomplished both her goals and to date has raised $100,000 for the Blue Planet Run Foundation.
Spotz began her journey in early January from Dakar, Africa and 70 days later on March 14 she landed in Guyana, South America . “Originally my goal was to help 1,000 people gain access to safe drinking water, and with the generous support of people all over the world, we have now enabled over 3,000 people to gain access to safe water for life. A $30 donation to the Blue Planet Run is enough to provide one person access to safe water, and now, for every one of the 3,038 miles I covered, we provided safe drinking water for life for one person,” said Spotz.
“Knowing that just one person will have safe water for life has made every one of the million oar strokes it took to get across, worth it. Reaching the $100,000 mark is an example of how one idea can spark a thousand small acts, and I am continually amazed and humbled by the support behind this journey,” she added. Donations were primarily made to her Web site, www.rowforwater.com.
“When other people might stop after becoming the youngest person to row solo across the Atlantic, Katie has continued to work non-stop to spread the word about the need to bring safe drinking water to rural villages around the world.  Raising over $100,000 is an exciting milestone for Katie and for Blue Planet Run.  Her efforts will transform the lives of over 3,300 people…we can’t wait to see what Katie will do next,” said Lisa Nash, CEO of Blue Planet Run. The organization is based in San Francisco, CA.
“We are thrilled that Katie has raised over $100,000 to support Blue Planet Run safe drinking water projects for children and their families around the world. Katie’s determination to not only meet, but exceed, her fundraising goal is just another example of the commitment she has made to bring safe drinking water to those in need.  We are proud to partner with Katie,” added Jin Zidell, Founder and Chairman of Blue Planet Run. The Blue Planet Run Foundation is a non-profit organization which funds safe drinking water projects for the billion people around the world in need.